Today started with a new routine. Karen and Anne were up and out with the animals so John and I were on our own in the kitchen. That meant doing our own toast and tea, which we managed. It was just as tasty because the eggs are so fresh and the bread so wheaty. Making our own breakfast is the start to a new era of travel independence!
The morning went by quickly. We had to scoot to Tesco to buy all the makings for a Western barbecue for our little party tonight. The local store had everything. Leave it to Tesco. Karen had never heard of “ribs” but we found packs in the ready-to-go refrigerator section. I didn’t see any watermelon, but when I asked, the grocery came up with two trays of slices. Perfect!
We unloaded the groceries and headed right back out for our starting time at Kilspindie Golf Club, a charming links course just 20 minutes away. We’ve played here many times and are familiar with the par 3 first, the par 5 second, and the very memorable par 3 eighth that requires a shot over the water to make the pin. With the wind blowing and a few lost balls behind us, our little group (Skip included), all chose the safe bailout— no heroes here! The men were hitting it long and I wasn’t, it would seem that my score would suffer, but I was rather good around the greens and so made plenty of pars. The weather was clear and the company good. It was a lovely day.
After a beer with Ross Richardson (a member), we hurried home to start the preparations for the BBQ. I brought BBQ sauce in my luggage (which did not leak!), and colorful bandanas for everyone. We each wore our scarves differently. I did the cattle rustler style since I was standing over a smoky fire. Karen made a hatband with hers on the Stetson I brought her a few years ago. Anne made a Tonto-style headband, and Shelagh did a young girl’s headband. John, of course, went full Rory Rogers with his. We pulled up a few songs to set the right cowboy mood, and the party started! Shelagh ran the Karaoke part of the evening after my sad choices (The Streets of Laredo and Water). Then, we moved on to Country Western, and the singing became louder! “Country Roads” by John Denver got everyone singing! With the open fire pit, chicken on the coals, veggies, ribs, and corn, we had a feast!! Karen brought out two bottles of champagne and two more of wine, so we were all in good spirits. Finally, we sat around the standing fire pit, and John and I started to doze with just a bit of jet lag kicking in. We were gently excused to bed. What a wonderful evening.
